Registration for CUET UG 2026 Now Open: Key Details and Exam Schedule
Overview of CUET UG 2026 Registration
New Delhi: The registration process for the Common University Entrance Test (CUET UG) 2026 has commenced, providing students with ample time to apply. The National Testing Agency (NTA) has announced that the online application window will be open from January 3 to January 30, 2026. This year, students will again have a full month to complete their applications.
Exam Structure and Pattern
The examination is set to begin on May 11, 2026, and will follow the same pattern as last year. Students are advised to thoroughly understand the exam structure and subject selection before applying. The test will be conducted in a computer-based test (CBT) format, similar to CUET 2025. Each paper will last one hour and consist of 50 essential questions. The questions will be multiple-choice, with 5 points awarded for correct answers and a deduction of 1 point for incorrect ones. There will be no changes to the exam pattern this year.
Subject Selection Criteria
In 2024, students could select 6 subjects, which increased to 10 in 2023. However, for CUET UG 2025, the number was reduced to 5, and this will remain the same for 2026. Students can choose from a total of 37 subjects, including 23 domain subjects, 13 languages, and 1 general aptitude test. It is essential for students to check the admission eligibility criteria of the respective universities for the subjects they select, even if they haven't studied them in Class 12.
Languages Offered in the Exam
The CUET UG 2026 will be conducted in 13 languages: English, Hindi, Assamese, Bengali, Gujarati, Kannada, Malayalam, Marathi, Odia, Punjabi, Tamil, Telugu, and Urdu. According to Ruma Pathak, Principal of MM Public School, students are being guided on how to choose their subjects. The syllabus for domain subjects will be based on the NCERT curriculum, and the exams will be held in multiple shifts.
Exam Schedule and Important Dates
Application Window: January 3 – 30, 2026
Final Date for Fee Payment: January 31, 2026, by 11:50 PM via credit/debit card, net banking, or UPI
Correction Window: February 2 – 4, 2026
Exam Dates: May 11 – 31, 2026 (multiple shifts each day)
Each student can submit only one application; multiple submissions are not allowed. The exact date for results has not yet been announced.
Payment of Application Fees
Students can pay the online application fee using credit/debit cards, net banking, or UPI. Last year, applications began in March, but feedback indicated that students faced difficulties due to ongoing board exams. Therefore, the NTA has initiated the registration process earlier for 2026. The CUET UG 2026 scores will only be valid for admissions in the 2026-27 academic session.
Universities Accepting CUET Scores
The CUET UG 2026 scores will be accepted by central, state, deemed, and private universities, with over 200 universities participating. The NTA has released a list of participating universities, which includes:
- 48 Central Universities
- 33 State Universities
- 23 Deemed Universities
- 76 Private Universities
- 5 Other Government Institutions
Anticipated Result Announcement
The results for CUET UG 2025 were announced on July 4, 2025, causing delays in the start of the new academic session. This year, results may be declared earlier to allow universities, including Delhi University, to commence the new session on time. The NTA has discussed this with UGC and university officials.
Exam City Options
While filling out the application form, students can select up to 4 exam cities in India. The NTA will allocate cities based on the candidate's preferences, as well as their permanent and current addresses.
Number of Applicants and Exam Centers
In CUET UG 2024, 1,347,820 students registered, while this number rose to 1,354,699 in 2025. For 2026, an even higher number is expected. The exams will be conducted in over 300 cities across India, including some international centers. A total of 325-350 unique question paper sets will be prepared, comprising over 1000 questions. Historically, around 80% of registered students participate in the exam.
Key Points for Candidates
- The exam pattern will remain unchanged from 2025.
- Students must choose 5 subjects from a total of 37.
- The exam will be conducted in 13 languages.
- Application and fee deadlines: January 30 – 31, 2026.
- Exam dates: May 11 – 31, 2026, in multiple shifts.
- CUET UG scores will be valid for the 2026-27 academic session.
- Over 200 universities will accept CUET UG 2026 scores.
- Results may be announced earlier this year compared to last year.